UPCOMING AUCTIONS
Date & Time TBA
Duncan’s Auctions is proud to present for auction the rare and one-of-a-kind African Cycad Collection. These paintings were created by famed and much respected artist Elaine Mato in Johannesburg, South Africa between the years of 2007 and 2010. By some accounts the Rain Queen dates back to the 1600’s. These paintings were created by using a paint technique mastered by ancient Egyptians & Greeks called encaustic painting, which is pure beeswax, damar tree resin and pigments. This collection explores a contemporary rendition the prehistoric African Cycads and the mythology surrounding a centuries old royal house of the African Rain Queen Modjadji.
The showcase painting of this auction is “The African Rain Queen Madjadji”. This painting was donated to Earth X by Ndabi Mandela, who’s Grandfather was Nelson Mandela.
Nelson Mandela actually consulted with Queen Modjadji after his release from prison.
Duncan's Auctions
The African Rain Queen Modjadji
Personally donated to EARTH X by Ndaba Mandela who’s Grandfather Nelson Mandela respectfully consulted with Queen Modjadji upon his release from prison.
Ancient paint technique in pure Beeswax and Damar Resin
70,866 x 59,055 inches
Double Frame
Estimate: $27,500.00 to $32,500.00
Sclavoi Razz-Ma-Tazz
Ancient paint technique in pure Beeswax and Damar Resin
59,055 x 39,370 inches
Single Frame
Estimate: $10,000.00 to $15,000.00
A sense of you upon a Blue Moon
Ancient paint technique in pure Beeswax and Damar Resin
78,740 x 59,055 inches
Double Frame
Auction Estimate: $25000.00 to $30,000.00
Misty Mountain Cycads
Ancient paint technique in pure Beeswax and Damar Resin
78,740 x 59,055 inches
Double Frame
Estimate: $15,000.00 to $20,000.00
Modjadji Blom
Ancient paint technique in pure Beeswax and Damar Resin
78,740 x 59,055 inches
Double Frame
Auction Estimate: $14000.00 to $18,000.00
Day by Day (Trytych)
Ancient paint technique in pure Beeswax and Damar Resin
27,559 x 19,685 inches ea.
Single Frame
Estimate: $5,000.00 to $8,000.00 for the set
Elaine Mato (Bunge) is a much-respected artist in South Africa where her journey began at the Johannesburg Art Ballet and Music School, now the National School of Art. She attended Michaelis UCT for a degree in fine art yet she didn’t graduate due to choosing to explore other options. Discovering other paint mediums, she started working in an ancient paint technique, called encaustic painting, which is pure beeswax, damar tree resin, and pigments. A follow through with soft ground (beeswax) etchings which later she found a centuries-old manual, on how to make up encaustic paint started with a contemporary rendition of the prehistoric African Cycads which lead to exploring the mythology surrounding a centuries-old royal house of the African Rain Queen, Modjadji. The African royal house is closely guarded in secrecy. It is said she came from North of the Limpopo River to settle in the Northern region of the Soutpansberg mountain range in South Africa. Her father gave her a golden horn to summon the rain, as a means of survival on the harsh African continent. This whole misty mountainous nature reserve is lush with ancient cycads, called the Modjadji’s Blom, (flower) wild orchids and teeming with wildlife and birds. Queen Modjadji was the 5th reigning rain queen. It is interesting to note that Nelson Mandela sought her council after being released from prison. Although he himself also came from a royal house, he still bowed and sat beneath her during their meetings. They continued a cordial friendship until she died. Her surviving daughter died soon after having brought the royal house into disrepute. It is still an ongoing debate if her young daughter will succeed the throne. It seemed appropriate to paint this collection in pure pigmented beeswax and damar resin.
In 2010 one of these LARGE paintings was selected by PRISA as part of an exhibition for an International Congress On Communication, today and in the future. This brought Elaine’s name amongst the finest of the other chosen South African artists. (Karel Nel, Willam Kentridge, Judith Mason to name a few.
The International Expo, themed
‘The Sixth Sense In Future Communications’
Elaine’s painting selected…
Title: ‘A Sense Of You Upon A Blue Moon’
Live & Online Auction
Exact auction, viewing & VIP reception times and date to be announced this week
Bidder Registration coming this week
All paintings will come with a Certificate of Authenticity
Auction will open with 15 to 20 pieces from up & coming Texas Artists
Images & descriptions of these pieces will be listed soon!
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PAST AUCTIONS
The Lone Star Classic May 2022
Dallas Classic Southfork 2020
North Texas Patina Classic 2023
The Essence of Classics Auction 2021
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Rare Iowa Classic Car Collection
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Large European Liquidation 2021
The Allen Texas Classic 2018
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Company Milestones
Late 1960’s
Joe Duncan established the first classic car auction in America located in Orlando Florida
1980’s
When Pittsburgh Steel Mills were failing in the 1980’s, Rick Duncan assisted in asset liquidation, reclaiming Steel companies millions of dollars before and during demolition
NASA 1980’s
When NASA decommissioned The Vanguard that tracked Apollo missions during the 60’s in the southern hemisphere, Rick Duncan assisted successfully in all the asset recovery of the electrical and machinery equipment
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2019 Auction History
In 2019, Duncan’s Auctions made classic car auction history with the first all female auction team
2020 Southfork Ranch History
In 2020, Duncan’s Auctions made history in Dallas introducing the first classic car auction/show at Southfork Ranch where the famed show “Dallas” was filmed
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Our industrial division works with our partner Surplus First, LLC. in order to assist in industrial, utility, commercial, demolition, Oil & Gas and Power Plant liquidations!
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WELCOME TO DUNCAN’S AUCTIONS
Duncan’s Auctions has nearly 75 years of classic car, estate & equipment experience. Joe Duncan, founder of Duncan’s Cadillacs in Los Angeles, California taught founder, Rick Duncan, everything he knew about the auction business. Rick grew up in the classic car, estate & equipment auction business, helping his father in his 4 Florida auto, estate & equipment auctions.
Rick has been in the classic car, estate & equipment business since the passing of his father in 1981. Below is the site where Mr. Duncan established one of the first classic car auctions in America. During the late 60’s & early 70’s Joe Duncan was operating auto auctions in Orlando, Lakeland, Sanford and Cocoa, Florida along with an equipment and estate auction service in Merritt Island, Florida. “If you are searching for a comfortable and honest venue to buy or sell a classic car collection, estate or to liquidate your industrial or utility equipment, we invite you to participate in a Duncan’s Auction,” Rick said. “If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me personally.”

One of Joe Duncan’s auctions in Florida being renovated for the grand opening

Famed Burton Gilliam of “Blazing Saddles”, “Fletch”, “Gator”, “Thunderbolt & Lightfoot”, “Back to The Future III” and “Paper Moon” displaying his auctioneering skills at a Duncan’s Auctions event in 2019.
Rick Joe Duncan TX License #18007 MO License #260

Rick Duncan (Left) with friend Burton Gilliam (Center) of “Blazing Saddles” and Professional Hockey Player Joel Chouinard (Right) listening to Burton’s jokes at a Duncan’s Auctions event in 2018!

Cars lining up at one of Joe Duncan’s Florida Auctions in the early 1970’s
